Kayla Magura's Blog

Organization’s Mission & Core Services

Girl & Her Backpack is a nonprofit based in Salt Lake City, Utah that is dedicated to building community, confidence and leadership skills in girls through outdoor adventure. Their mission is to make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive– especially for BIPOC girls and those from non-traditional backgrounds. The organization envisions a future where every girl feels she belongs outside and can realize her full potential through nature-based experiences.

Core Services of Girl & Her Backpack

• Learn- School programs bringing outdoor education into classrooms for grades 8–12, focusing on confidence, curiosity and leadership
• Build- Adventure teams that meet twice a month for hikes, yoga, journaling and climbing, fostering friendships and nature appreciation
• Rise- A signature 3-day, 2-night backpacking adventure in Utah’s Uinta and Wasatch Mountains that teaches backpacking skills and encouraging personal growth in a supportive environment

Meeting Community Needs

Girl & Her Backpack addresses several pressing community needs:

• Outdoor Accessibility- By targeting BIPOC girls and those with less access to outdoor opportunities, the organization tears down barriers to participation.
• Skill-Building- Programs are designed to teach practical outdoor skills, leadership, and self-reliance, which are often underrepresented in traditional education.
• Community and Belonging- Regular group activities and team-building events create a supportive network, helping girls form lasting friendships and build self-esteem.
• Safety and Preparedness- All volunteer staff are background-checked and trained in first aid and wilderness response, ensuring a safe environment for participants.

Communication Strategy & Social Media Presence

Girl & Her Backpack’s communication is warm, inclusive, and youth-focused. Their website features testimonials from participants, program descriptions and clear calls to action for enrollment and support. They highlight the voices of girls themselves, making the impact personal and relatable:

“If someone asked me what Girl & Her Backpack was, my answer would be a bunch of girls laughing and having fun and just like hanging out and bonding.” — Izzy, Age 12

Their social media and LinkedIn presence reinforce this mission, showcasing events staff highlights, and community achievements to engage both parents and potential donors. The respective pages are aimed towards the audience of parents that would come across that page and wonder when events are going to be happening. They don’t have large followings on either page, but they have a lot of great information that may not be accessible via their website.

Effectiveness & Impact

The Girl & Her Backpack organization is highly effective in its niche. The organization’s volunteer-driven model with a focus on safety and leadership development and ensures that resources go directly to programming. Their commitment to inclusivity and empowerment is evident not only in their mission but in the diverse backgrounds of their staff and board members. The testimonials and repeat participation suggest strong community buy-in and real and lasting impact.

Comparison to Similar Organizations

Compared to other outdoor nonprofits, such as Outdoor Afro or Latino Outdoors, Girl & Her Backpack stands out for its focus on girls and young women, structured progression from school-based learning to wilderness adventures, and its explicit leadership development track. Their holistic approach helps participants grow from beginners to confident outdoor leaders.

Link to website: https://www.girlandherbackpack.com/_files/ugd/7b3b6c_5a2a8e4c9c8b4b